SXM Airways (St. Maarten) is set to commence revenue operations after it secured its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Sint Maarten Department of Civil Aviation earlier this month.

The start-up subsequently secured landing rights to the neighbouring island of Saint Eustatius ahead of its official launch of charter operations early next year.

“Right now, the focus is to get the landing rights from our surrounding islands," deputy Managing Director Elvis Queeley told The Daily Herald. "We have been training in the meantime and have a capable flight crew that is ready to serve clients. We will be launching our service at the beginning of January and the public will be informed about our routes. We intend to offer competitive rates for our customers."

Using its single Britten-Norman Islander, PJ-SXM, SXM Airways will specialize in regional Caribbean ad-hoc passenger and cargo flights. It aims to acquire a further two of the type by 2020.